Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (10) runs for yards during practice at NFL minicamp, Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in Berea, Ohio.

The NFL is in good hands when it comes to the running back landscape. Of course, you have your yearly studs who are consistent, like Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, and Saquon Barkley. But the future looks even brighter with the next influx of talented running backs who are trying to make a name for themselves in the NFL. Will some of those names make our "Start 'em & Sit 'em" list for Week 3? Let's find out the top three that you may want to start or sit!

Start - James Cook, RB, Buffalo Bills

Cook is on pace for 24 touchdowns at season's end. Last year, he scored a total of 18. This season, he is averaging 23.9 fantasy points per game, which is 7.2 more fantasy points than he earned per game last year. With a matchup against the Miami Dolphins this weekend, do not look for any regression, only progression, as the Dolphins give up a ton of yards to running backs.

Start - Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

For the ones that started Walker last week, a congrats is in order for not throwing in the towel on him. He managed 18.8 points with just over 100 yards rushing and one touchdown. This week, Walker and the Seahawks will face a New Orleans Saints team that has given up 254 yards to the running back position already this season. They have also given up 25 points per game to opposing running backs.

Start - Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings

With Aaron Jones suffering from a hamstring injury against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday Night Football, Jordan Mason's production should increase. So far this season, he has made his opportunities worth it by running mean and making defenses pay when trying to tackle him. The Vikings will face the Cincinnati Bengals, who have given up the third most fantasy points to a running back through the first two weeks.

Sit - Kyren Williams, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Kyren Williams' usage is still good, but they're playing a stingy Philadelphia Eagles defense. Backup running back Blake Corum received most of the carries inside the red zone, especially inside the 10-yard line. Is this significant? Probably not, but I wouldn't trust it against Philly.

Sit - Chuba Hubbard, RB, Carolina Panthers

It is weird to say, but the Atlanta Falcons' defense has been terrific against the run. So far this season, they have only allowed 106 yards rushing on the ground to Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason, and Bucky Irving. Names that won't set the world on fire, but can eat up yardage pretty quickly. Hubbard hasn't eclipsed the 100-yard mark yet this season, and only sits with 96 yards. The Falcons defense is very much improved.

Sit - Quinshon Judkins, RB, Cleveland Browns

Judkins will be making his NFL debut for the Browns, but on the flip side, the Green Bay Packers have allowed the second fewest yards to a running back this season so far, and haven't allowed a touchdown to one yet either. Look for Judkins to struggle against an elite defense.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Fantasy Football Week 3 Start 'Em & Sit 'Em Running Back Edition

Reporting by Josh Petry, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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